For FLASHKOPI, the brief was to create an original character that could grow together with the brand — not simply a logo mascot, but a personality that could eventually appear across stores, packaging, merchandise and digital content.
The idea began with a simple contrast. FLASHKOPI needed to feel energetic and youthful, but the brand experience itself was warm, comforting and food-led. CTS.AD brought these two sides together through a soft bear character paired with a lightning-bolt motif.
The bear gives the brand its warmth. Its rounded head, short limbs and soft plush-like proportions were developed to feel familiar and instantly approachable. The lightning bolt provides the opposite energy — sharp, fast and graphic — becoming a distinctive element that gives the otherwise gentle character a stronger visual memory.
Early sketches focused heavily on proportion. Different head sizes, ear shapes, body widths and facial placements were tested to find a balance between a toy-like softness and a character that could remain recognizable at very small sizes. A small curled mark on the forehead was gradually introduced as a secondary identifier, giving the bear another feature that could be carried into icons, patterns and simplified graphics.
The facial expression was intentionally kept restrained. Rather than relying on exaggerated cartoon features, the design uses simple dark eyes, a small nose and a subtle smile to create a character that feels friendly, calm and slightly curious.
Colour exploration followed the same principle. Warm cream, butter and coffee tones were chosen to connect the character naturally with the world of FLASHKOPI, while also creating the tactile impression of a plush toy. The neutral base allows the character to later take on different costumes, colours and seasonal themes without losing its identity.
The character was developed from the beginning with physical applications in mind. The rounded silhouette, clear facial structure and simple identifying elements allow it to translate naturally from illustration into plush toys, store installations, packaging graphics, stickers and animation.
What started as a series of pencil sketches gradually became a flexible character system. The final FLASHKOPI Bear is built around just a few recognizable elements — the soft rounded form, curled forehead mark and lightning accessory — giving the brand a character that can remain consistent while continuing to evolve.
Original source: https://www.ctsadv.com/work/flashkopi-bear.html
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